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Women of a ‘Certain Age’

I was recently out with friends. And, after a few glasses of wine, the conversation inevitably turned to a discussion about the fact that we are all now “of a certain age”.

Many of my friends are really keen to share horror stories of their personal health.

And, of course, they are really keen to involve me in those conversations – their “lawyer friend” who, naturally will have all of the answers.

Well, of course, I don’t have all of the answers.

I am a Lawyer and not a GP or a Gynaecologist.

But, it did make me realise that so many women have cause to complain about the way in which their reproductive health fears and problems are dealt with by their GP and, sometimes, the outcome of their surgical procedures.

It is worth remembering that the vast amount of surgical procedures (Gynaecological or otherwise) are successful, achieve great outcomes and you are well looked after. Often you leave Hospital healthier than when you went in.

However, this is not always the case and that is when you might need Swain & Co Solicitors.

I have, personally, acted for a number of women who have undergone hysterectomy procedures where mistakes have been made.

Some clients suffer serious infection which has not been properly diagnosed and treated as well as other complications. This has means that they stay in hospital much longer than they anticipate and they endure more complicated and lengthy recovery. In some cases, they have to undergo further operations to “repair” the damage. In extreme cases, clients’ have sought the involvement of plastic surgeons to repair excessive and unnecessary surgical scarring.

This should not happen.

Whilst no operation is “routine”, many procedures such as hysterectomy, ablations, oophorectomy, and others are carried out every day.

Some women have described to me that it is like a “conveyor belt”.

And they felt that it was like a “factory” - a surgeon stood there all day completing a number of procedures.

When things have gone wrong these same women feel anger and frustration.

They had been hoping that their problems would be resolved by the operation, not made worse.

I have recovered damages for these women in excess of £100,000 because:

They have been unable to work for long periods of time,

They have been unable to care for their families,

Unable to live their lives

In extreme cases, their relationship with their husbands or partners has suffered.

As a lawyer, I fight hard for my clients’ to get the answers about what went wrong with their surgery and to get the compensation they deserve.

As a woman I am able to empathise with my clients’ as let’s face it, that could be me next!

One of my clients explains why she chose me as her medical negligence lawyer:

“Melanie really listened to me. She understands why I am looking for answers and why I am angry.

I went in for a ‘routine’ keyhole operation. Woke up to find something went wrong and I had to be opened up to repair the damage. I now have a scar from my belly button vertically to my bikini line.

Melanie understands that the scar means more to me. Due to my own mental health issues, to me it means failure. It signifies to me that I can’t get anything right. I can’t even have surgery as planned.

I am a busy mum of two young children. The operation went wrong whilst I was on maternity leave. So, returning to work, running household, selling and buying a new home, and looking after two children means I am so busy I can’t think straight.

Melanie has taken all the stress and worry away.

I opened up to her and felt relieved to share my story. And now can relax knowing she is looking after me and my case. I have every confidence she will get me the answers I need.

It’s not about medical negligence compensation for me. It is about getting answers and honesty from the hospital. I need closure and need to know why this happened.

A problem shared is a problem halved. Thank you Melanie for listening.”

Melanie Lidstone-Land and the Medical Negligence team at Swain & Co Solicitors regularly win compensation for their clients who have suffered injury as a result of surgery gone wrong. If you, a family member or a friend have experienced problems regarding substandard medical treatment contact our team today on02392 483322.